Welcome to ‘The Wider Screen’ a series of endorsements of films in the international sphere of cinema. In the past, I have been guilty of ignoring the potential of non-English speaking cinema and as I experience more international films, I can pass them onto you. Oscar Winning Parasite Director Bong Joon Ho stated “Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films” and in line with this notion, I hope I can do my bit to introduce you to some of the great international films that I have seen.
At the 2021 Oscars ceremony I was captivated by the speech
of a director that I admire so much, as he accepted the award for the best foreign
language picture. That director was Thomas Vinterberg, the genius behind the
highly acclaimed The Hunt (2012) who has returned in 2020 with the incredible
Another Round. As Thomas thanked the various people who have helped him
on his journey, the moment took an emotional turn as he mentioned the tragic
death of his daughter Ida. Ida had been a big part of the concept and passion
of the film and it was thanks to her energy and excitement for the project that
the film was made. Another Round follows 4 high school teachers who are
fed up with their mundane lives that are gradually stagnating both professionally
and socially. In an attempt to improve their performances in the classroom and
at home, they decide to consume various different amounts of alcohol on a daily
basis. As you can probably imagine, our characters find elation initially,
excelling in all parts of life with their newfound charisma, unfortunately the true
consequences of repeated alcohol abuse are never too far around the corner.
Not only is Another Round
an exceptionally unique and powerful film that celebrates life, it also cements
Thomas Vinterberg’s legacy in the royalty of world cinema. As one of the
founders of the Dogme movement back in the 90’s with Lars Von Trier, Vinterberg
has come a long way both artistically and professionally. I say a film that ‘celebrates
life’ as it came out of Vinterberg’s own mouth, and it couldn’t be more appropriate.
Alcohol is a wonderful thing, it opens us up, allowing us to express ourselves in
ways we could never imagine, yet it can be hugely dangerous and devastating to
you and the people that you love. Life is a little bit like that. Life can be
brilliant, but it can also be cruel, uncompromising, and humbling. Another
Round displays life in all of it’s many glories and setbacks, and that is
beautiful.
Another Round also happens
to be another Mads Mikkelsen masterpiece (try saying that after 10 Vodkas). As
Thomas Vinterberg links up with some of his most trusted friends and colleagues,
it is once again Mads who shines above the rest. He genuinely is a performer
who illuminates every scene that he appears in, holding you for as long
as he wishes, only letting you go when the movie has finished, and even then,
you are simply captivated by him. Frequently, he is noted as one of Hollywood’s most
enigmatic villains, but Another Round highlights him as an actor with many
more abilities in his repertoire.
Alcohol is and always has been a
touchy subject. It destroys lives yet creates memories between friends that
would never have been the same without it’s presence, and the real strength of Another
Round is it’s ability to simply document an experience, without coming
across preachy or careless. It’s a film that everybody will get a different
experience from. Whether you are gripped by Another Round, or you simply
enjoy it, you will certainly be having a deeply unique experience to you. This
ability to make a film personal is something Vinterberg will be extremely proud
of.
Stylistically this film takes home all the awards, but we can’t
forget it’s technical brilliance. Whether it’s the handheld camera presence
that allows you to open a door into the lives of our dysfunctional 40-year-olds,
or the booming theme song ‘What a Life’ that gives the film the most
appropriate climax. Thomas Vinterberg knows what he is doing.
One thing is clear, Another Round is a stomping piece of cinema. Nevertheless, I still have fears that it could get lost in mainstream English-speaking audiences. The language of good cinema is universal, and Another Round is ready to be watched and enjoyed by all.
Comments
Post a Comment